State panel eyes buying

Tom Fahey reports on yesterday's Fiscal Committee meeting in the Union Leader.

Bullet-proof vests and handguns for Liquor Commission inspectors and $110 flashlights for the Department of Corrections came under scrutiny yesterday as a legislative committee reviewed ways to limit state spending in 2009.

The Legislative Fiscal Committee was told that the state has saved $5 million more than it expected under executive orders from Gov. Lynch.

The series of four orders saved a total of $13.3 million, a report to the committee said. The orders were meant to cut spending on travel, and to limit hiring and equipment purchases However, committee members yesterday closely questioned Administrative Services Commissioner Linda Hodgdon about waivers that were given state agencies. Some focused on hiring, others on equipment; Committee chair Rep. Marjorie Smith, D-Durham, asked about 17 $110 flashlights the Department of Corrections bought, and bullet-proof vests and handguns the Liquor Commission bought for liquor inspectors.